There are lots of factors that contribute to your home’s curb appeal and one of the most noticeable components is your home’s siding. One of the more unique ways to side your home is with stucco. Here’s a crash course on the benefits & drawbacks of using this product on your home’s exterior.

What it is: Stucco is a combination of cement, sand and lime that can be applied to the home’s exterior instead of traditional siding.

Advantages:

Fire Resistant: Stucco is recognized for its fire resistance, something that may result in lowered homeowner’s insurance premiums.

Insulation: Stucco is an effective insulator, helping to keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter, something that will keep your energy bills in check.

Versatility: You have endless choices when it comes to color and pattern.

Longevity: Stucco is renowned for its permanence and when carefully cared for, it can last for years to come.

Disadvantages:

Staining: When compared with other types of siding, stucco is more apt to show water & soil stains.

Installation: The installation of stucco is a strenuous process and the labor portion of the bill will be significant; this is not something that a weekend warrior should attempt.

Vulnerable to Water Damage: In order to keep stucco in the best possible condition, it should be kept moisture free. It’s crucial that gutters and downspouts are properly placed in order to
ensure that water is diverted away from the home. Windows & doors must be sealed tightly so that water cannot penetrate the stucco.

Cracking: Just as concrete does, stucco expands and contracts, leading to cracking. This can be repaired but at an expense to the homeowner.

Lindus Construction is a full service construction and remodeling company boasting LeafGuard Gutters, GAF Asphalt Roofing, SeasonGuard Windows/Siding/Insulation & decking just to name a few. Give us a call at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out at www.lindusconstruction.com to set up a free no-obligation estimate. Tune into 830 WCCO every Saturday from 9a-10am with Denny Long & Andy Lindus for our Home Improvement Show!

What is usually a windowless, warm, moist space in your home that tends to have mold or mildew growing in it? That’s right, it’s your bathroom. We want you to know that you are not alone on having a recurring issue with mold and mildew in your bathrooms. What you really need to know is how to clean it properly and how to get it from coming back! The number one reason that mold is found most commonly in your bathroom is that it is the perfect environment for it to grow. The amount of water used in your bathroom from showering and washing your hands, creates wet surfaces that if not completely dried properly will inhibit the growth of mold. Below, we are going to discuss where mold likes to hang out in your bathroom and how to get rid of it.

Mold in the shower

You often find the most mold in your bathroom in your shower and bathtub area. Did you know that the grime from your body oils and soap scum are a favorite treat for mold to feed on? If you want a non-toxic mold remover product for your shower, combine ½ cups of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide and 1 cup of warm water in spray bottle. Spray it generously on all of your shower surfaces and let it sit for an hour to penetrate. Then scrub it with a stiff bristled brush and hot water. You should only make this concoction when you are ready to use it because hydrogen peroxide loses its potency over time. If you feel the need to use bleach, mix equal parts of bleach and water and do the same process of spraying on the surfaces. Make sure to keep it away from any linen to avoid discoloration and also, turn on the fan to avoid breathing in toxic fumes.

Mold on objects in your bathroom

Are you one of those shower junkies that has every single body wash, facial cleaner and loofa that comes out at Target? If so, you should know that one of molds favorite places to hang out are on bottles and items that are frequently getting wet in your shower. The more items that you have in your shower just increase the chances of water being trapped in undesired areas creating a mold paradise. Store your items higher up in your shower to avoid being soaked by the water and possibly only bring them in when you shower and remove them after.

Reduce the humidity

To prevent mold from growing in your bathroom the humidity levels in there should be below 55%. Many households do not have adequate ventilation in their bathrooms with under-performing fans causing the growth of mold. You need to make sure that you turn the bathroom fan on before you get in the shower and keep it on for roughly 10 minutes after to ensure the steam is removed from the air. Best tips to avoid mold coming back in your bathroom

Spray your shower area a few times a week with homemade cleaner

Run your bathroom fans regularly

Shake your curtain when you are done showering to remove access water

Hang up your towels to dry evenly

Lindus Construction is a full-service remodeling company specializing in LeafGuard Gutters, GAF Asphalt Roofing, SeasonGuard Windows/Siding/Insulation, Decking, Home Remodeling & New Construction. Call us at 1-800-873-1451 for a free no obligation estimate or check us out on our new website at www.lindusconstruction.com. Tune into 830 WCCO every Saturday from 9a-10a with Denny Long & Andy Lindus for our Home Improvement Show.

Bamboo is one of the most sustainable resources on the planet and is becoming increasingly popular for flooring and cabinetry in homes. Unlike trees, bamboo is a grass that grows to maturity for harvesting in roughly seven years. Therefore, it is more readily available than hardwood which can take decades to reach its harvesting peak. Bamboo is known for its durability and sturdiness making, it an ideal medium to use for cabinets and flooring. Bamboo possesses a natural hue that will warm any area. Its grain is also distinctly linear so it can be installed either vertical or horizontal. Many homeowners are drawn to bamboo for their home improvement projects because it is such a renewable, green, product that will bring quality and beauty to your home. We recently installed bamboo cabinets in our main floor bathroom and to say that we are happy with the look and outcome would be an understatement. Here are some of the features and benefits of using bamboo for your next home improvement project.

The Finish

Bamboo offers beautiful markings that would be covered up if you applied a darker stain. The natural color of bamboo is so appealing that most people would not even consider staining it. The use of a clear coat will still allow the grain of the distinctively linear markings to show through. Bamboo will vary slightly in color, which some homeowners feel is aesthetically appealing because of its uniqueness.

Custom or Ready-to-Assemble?

Bamboo cabinets are available in RTA (ready-to-assemble) units as well as custom-built. If you are a seasoned DIY’er type of homeowner, tackling the RTA option might be right up your alley, but if you want to leave it up to the professionals contact your local contractor to have them custom made for your home.

Stability

Bamboo is a great medium to use in a kitchen area because it is dimensionally stable, meaning it doesn’t swell and contract as much as its wood counterpart which can be seen as an advantage where moisture levels are present, such as in your kitchen area from cooking.

Cost

Many people think bamboo cabinets are outrageously expensive, but they are relatively similar in price to their solid wood counterparts. The price will obviously vary on the options that you select, as well as the manufacturer of the product and if you DIY or have in done for you. You must keep in mind that the quality you are receiving by installing bamboo cabinets is much higher than standard cabinets.

Lindus Construction / Midwest Leafguard are ready to help with your next cabinet makeover in your home. Call us at 1-800-873-1451 to set up a free no-obligation estimate or check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com. Tune into WCCO 830 every Saturday morning for our home improvement show with Denny Long & Andy Lindus.

Every home in the Midwest has some sort of home heating system for the cooler temperatures that we face during the fall & winter seasons. Residential home heating systems can range from piping hot water throughout your home, to blowing air or even using heat from the earth. We are going to discuss some of the most popular systems and the advantages and disadvantages of both.

Forced Air

The most common type of heating & cooling systems on the market

Moves throughout your home through ductwork and registers and is heated in the furnace.

The air is heated using various fuel sources such as natural gas, propane, electricity or oil.

Advantages/disadvantages of this system

Forced air systems are the only heat distribution system that also can be used for cooling purposes. It also allows the air to be filtered, humidified or dehumidified. This type of system is less expensive than other options on the market. The only disadvantages of this system are that the moving air throughout your home can distribute allergens more freely, requires ductwork that takes up space and can sometimes be a little loud.

Radiant Heat

Widely known to provide the most comfortable heat in a residential home and comes in a variety of options from a pot belly stove or in-floor heating.

Radiant heat is the process of direct transfer of heat from a hot to a cold surface through embedded tubing in the floor directly below the surface.

Radiant heat can be fueled by hot water heated by a boiler that is fueled by natural gas, propane, oil or electricity.

Advantages/disadvantages of this system

Radiant heat provides an even, comfortable heat and are quite energy efficient. A disadvantage is that they take longer to heat up, since the surrounding materials must warm, they can be expensive to install, air conditioning would require separate ductwork and if a problem arises, accessing the hidden piping can be difficult.

Hot Water Baseboard

Baseboard systems are similar to radiant heat because they use hot water that is heated by a boiler to heat space by radiation and convection.

The water is heated and then piped to baseboard units mounted along the walls.

The boiler can be fueled by natural gas, propane, electricity or oil.

Advantages/disadvantages of this system

Baseboard systems are very energy efficient & quiet. Disadvantages are they are slow at increasing the temperature in your home and you must keep items such as furniture and drapes away from the units.

Geothermal

The newest heating & cooling technology on the market today is geothermal.

Heat is taken from the earth by use of ground loop pipes and deposited into your home.

The EPA says that a geothermal heat pump can save you 30 to 70 percent on home heating and 20 to 50 percent on cooling over conventional systems.

Advantages/disadvantages of this system

Geothermal advantages are that they have a very good lifespan, usually around 25+ years for inside components and 100+ years for the ground loop. They are very quiet and have minimal maintenance costs. They also add a lot of value to your property. Disadvantages of geothermal heat is the increased upfront initial cost to have it installed which are usually two to three times those of conventional systems. If you don’t hire a qualified contractor who uses proper installation techniques, your system may not last as long.

Lindus Construction / Midwest LeafGuard are a full service contractor specializing in LeafGuard Gutters, GAF Asphalt Roofing, SeasonGuard Windows/Siding/Insulation, Metal Roofing, Decking, New Construction & Home Remodeling. Call us at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com. Tune into WCCO 830 every Saturday at 9am for our Home Improvement Show with Denny Long & Andy Lindus.

A good craftsman takes care of his tools and makes sure they are properly stored for the colder months. We are now at that stage of limbo when fall comes one day and winter the next. Your outdoor power tools that you have used rigorously for the last few months need a little TLC before winter really hits, allowing them to work better come springtime. Here is a list of things not to forget when it comes to taking care of your outdoor tools.

Drain the oil

You will want to drain the oil from your lawnmower, weed whip, tiller, chainsaw & hedge clippers otherwise the oil inside these tools will get sludgy, making the engine less efficient. Really any tool that you used this summer for yard and garden work that you must put oil in you should drain and make to dispose of the dregs at a proper waste facility.

Inspect your tools

Your outdoor tools go through a lot of use and abuse during our short growing season here in the Midwest, so the likelihood of having missing screws, nuts and bolts is probably good. It is also a good idea to inspect your gas cans to ensure that they have O-rings that are intact and that the containers are not cracked or in need of replacement.

Fuel filters & spark plugs

If you didn’t already know, a dirty fuel filter will make your tools work harder while trying to draw gas so changing them out is out of necessity. Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture that gets your engine going in your power tools. They get very dirty and replacing them is quite cheap, only costing you a couple of dollars. FYI- don’t leave cans of gasoline sitting around during the winter because it will absorb water and make your motors run rough. Always buy fresh gas when springtime arrives.

Air filters

Having dirty air filters in the motor of your tools will cause them to run harder and hotter than normal. To get the most out of your air filter, clean the debris out of it regularly by tapping against a trash can.

Lube your hinges

You will want to lubricate the moving parts of your outdoor tools before storing them away to prevent rusting. Any tool that has a wooden handle will benefit by rubbing oil on it, preventing it from drying out and cracking.

Clean it up

Blast away dirt and debris with a power washer or water hose. Dirt left on your tools can cause your tools to prematurely rust due to the moisture in the soil. Use a wire brush if necessary to scrub away any stubborn dirt. Make sure to let your tools air dry completely before storing away.

Lindus Construction / Midwest LeafGuard are a full service contractor specializing in LeafGuard Gutters, GAF Asphalt Roofing, SeasonGuard Windows/Siding/Insulation, Metal Roofing, Decking, New Construction & Home Remodeling. Call us at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com. Tune into WCCO 830 every Saturday at 9am for our Home Improvement Show with Denny Long & Andy Lindus.

Your home’s interior doors can add style and compliment your existing features. They not only add privacy and reduce external noise, but also allow easy access to storage areas and closets. Adding new interior doors to your home does more than completely change your room’s appearance. Many people tend to not change the interior doors in your home for long periods of time so it is imperative that you choose the right style and design to compliment the room. It’s a good idea to understand the main choices for door styles and we will discuss those below.

Panel doors

These types of doors are the most commonly used for residential use. They will have rectangular or square patterns that can be either one or multiple panels. Some types of panel doors have glass inserts that add additional character to your room. Three and five panel doors are very popular these days, if you like to follow the current trend.

Bifold Doors

Bifold doors are connected into pairs with hinges and hung on tracks that fold into each other. You will find these doors typically used in bedroom closets, laundry rooms or even kitchen pantries. You want to find solid-core or solid-wood billfold doors because the heft of the doors is what keeps them from shuddering when you open them. If you have a small space or an area where you don’t want a full swinging door footprint a bifold door will work great in that space.

French Doors

French doors have multiple small windows set into the full length of the door. They are going to provide less privacy and are typically used for more of a decorative door. A French door will add a dramatic touch to any entryway. These types of doors contain two hinged hung doors mounted on either side of the opening that swings toward one another. If you use a French door closer to an exterior you will want to consider using double-pane glass to provide more insulation.

Sliding doors

Sliding doors are making a comeback in a big way in residential homes. Since they do not swing, rather they move gracefully along mounted tracks it is very useful in tight spaces as well as adding modern flair to any entryway. You do need to ensure you have enough room for the doors to move right or left when opening so some space is needed. Adding bold colored sliding doors or ones that look like an old barn door are popping up in homes across the US.

Pocket Doors

Want to add some old school style to your home? Introduce pocket doors! These interior doors slide similarly to sliding doors, but they slide into a prepare space, or pocket if you will. The biggest benefit of pocket doors is that the wall basically hides any part of the door making it a great option in rooms where the door rarely needs to be closed. They work very well in small spaces such as toilet rooms, closets and small entry ways.

Lindus Construction/Midwest LeafGuard is able to handle any interior or exterior doors you are in need of. Call us at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com. Tune into WCCO 830 every Saturday from 9a-10a for our Home Improvement Show with Denny Long & Andy Lindus.

Every guy has thought about it, but likely never asked his wife if it could be a possibility. I am talking about having a urinal installed in your home whether it is in your man cave, garage or master bathroom. Would it surprise you to know that this is a growing trend in male dominated households? Now your dream could become a reality. We are discussing the ins and outs of having a urinal in your home.

Overcoming the stereotype

I know that installing a urinal in your home might be a tough sell to your wife because she is probably thinking of the questionable gas station ones; however they are starting to become a trend in high-end homes across the US because of the elegant and luxurious versions that are now available. Say goodbye to the standard white urinal you are accustomed to; now they are sleeker and come in an array of unusual shapes and designs such as teardrops and even orchids. If you need more help convincing your wife, according to www.BuildingGreen.com, if you have two males in your home, each using the urinal roughly three times a day, times 340 days a year at home, and you install a waterless urinal it will replace about 2,040 toilet flushes per year, saving you about 3,250 gallons of water. Now, what wife will say no to more green in your pockets?

So what’s it going to cost you?

Traditional urinals are probably going to run you roughly $300-600 and for the more upscale versions the systems can run $900-$1300. If you are building a new home, the cost of installing one will be quite minimal, but if you are planning on installing it in an existing bathroom, it could be more costly because your plumbing may need to be altered. If you install a no-water urinal, you would not have to worry about this just a drain system.

Installing a urinal in your home

Attempting to install a urinal in your home without doing your homework could be disastrous. The single most common urinal installation mistake is installation on an unstable wall. You will need to use a stud finder to ensure proper mounting and so that the weight of the urinal is able to be supported. The next most common mistake is a failure to not set up the piping properly. The big problem with this is, you could cause issues with water flowing to the urinal or from waste water flowing out correctly. Measure all piping to the proper width and length to avoid these problems. Don’t forget the p-trap! It is the portion of piping that extends below the base of the urinal. Its main purpose is to ensure that if there is any problem with your flow of waste out of the urinal line and into the sewage line, the urinal will not overflow and cause a huge mess. Be sure that your pipes are tightened properly, but not too tight, to avoid leaking water.

Lindus Construction is a full-service remodeling company specializing in LeafGuard Gutters, GAF Asphalt Roofing, SeasonGuard Windows/Siding/Insulation, Decking, Home Remodeling & New Construction. Call us at 1-800-873-1451 for a free no obligation estimate or check us out on our new website at www.lindusconstruction.com. Tune into 830 WCCO every Saturday from 9a-10a with Denny Long & Andy Lindus for our Home Improvement Show.

If your roof has started to leak, you should not underestimate the severity of damage it can cause to your home. If you are unsure of the magnitude of a leak in your roof, make sure to call your local professional contractor who will be able to give you a solution to your problem. Here are some reasons that your roof may be leaking into your home.

Flashing

Flashing is the thin metal sheet; strip, angle or fitting that covers a seam or transition point in a roof. Flashing is the most common area of your roof to leak. With the harsh weather in the Midwest, it is easily damaged or corroded over time. The flashing on your home could also be poorly installed or of a lower quality than you thought you were having installed.

Skylight

Having skylights really adds ambiance and natural light to your home, but when not built or installed properly, it can cause more of a headache than bliss. If you have a skylight that is older a problem with a leak is almost inevitable. If you notice that the downhill slope of your skylight is filling with water more easily, you will be dealing with a leak in the near future.

Shingle Damage

Your roof most likely is not top of mind if it’s functioning properly, but you have to remember that your roof will not last forever. How many years has it been since your roof was installed? Roofs that were built 30 years ago were made of much different and less durable materials, than what is used today. Old shingles will start to crack causing your roof to leak.

Chimney

Your chimney creates a huge hold in your roof and it also collects water on the surface, which can trickle down and get into the smallest cracks. The leading cause of chimney leaking is failed flashing. Water can pool at the base of your chimney and having pooling water on your roof is never a good thing.

Plumbing

Common plumbing issues arise when having to drill holes in your roof. Plumbing vent pipes, exhaust flues for appliances, attic vents and ventilation ducts are among the most common necessities that have to exit through your roof. Cracked or worn flashing around these pipes and flues are the most common leak source on your roof when it comes to plumbing.

Lindus Construction offers both asphalt and metal roofing options. In 2011, we were named the #1 Roofer in the United States by GAF, which is North America’s largest manufacturer of residential and commercial roofing. Call us now at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com to schedule a free in-home estimate today. Tune into AM 830 WCCO on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am hosted by Denny Long and Andy Lindus to ask questions regarding your home improvement projects.

Today many garages have evolved from more than just a parking place for your car, but a junk pile for your home. Organizing your garage and making it a multi-purpose area seems to be an ongoing trend. What about turning your garage into the workshop you always wanted? Here are the steps needed to make your dreams a reality.

Lighting

Most garages do not have the ample light required for a workshop and are probably very dark. If you will be working with power tools, it is a necessity to ensure proper lighting. Inadequate lighting can hurt the quality of your work. 4-foot instant-on bulb fixtures with reflectors work well in a garage as well as hanging shop lights that can drop down from above your workbench to ample light. Purchasing a portable work light will come in very handy as well.

Storing your tools

Now that you can see your surroundings with your increased lighting, where to properly store your tools is the next question. Few things in life are as frustrating as spending an hour looking for the tool you need for a project that is only going to take 10 minutes. Tools are an expensive investment and you want to make sure your investment is organized and is able to be locked up if needed. You should consider a roller cabinet and chest combo that is a minimum of 16 inches deep and 26 inches wide. I would also recommend installing drawer mats to keep your tools from sliding around and banging into one another. For your larger power tools, creating a shelving unit designated for each specific tool is a great way to keep everything ready to use at a moment’s notice.

Flooring

A regular garage floor is not the ideal surface for a workshop because they can become slippery and stain very easily. Upgrading your floor to an epoxy finish or modular tiles will give you the extra grip you are looking for. If your budget does not allow this type of flooring, look for restaurant grade rubber mats that you can put in your most used areas.

Comfort

What man doesn’t like the perfect temperature in his workspace? Most garages are not insulated so taking the extra step to warm in the winter and cool in the summer is a must for your new workshop.

Entertainment

What workshop would be complete without a mini fridge and some tunes to make your next hobby project as successful as possible? Did you know that you can run your MP3 player or smart phone through DEWALT’s new radios? Make sure to purchase one on your next visit to your home improvement store.

Lindus Construction is a full-service remodeling company specializing in LeafGuard Gutters, GAF Asphalt Roofing, SeasonGuard Windows/Siding/Insulation, Decking, Home Remodeling & New Construction. Call us at 1-800-873-1451 for a free no obligation estimate or check us out on our new website at www.lindusconstruction.com. Tune into 830 WCCO every Saturday from 9a-10a with Denny Long & Andy Lindus for our Home Improvement Show.

It doesn’t take an expert to know that overflowing rain gutters spell trouble. However, there are numerous ways that gutters can become clogged and identifying these reasons can allow you to prevent this occurrence in the future, as clogged gutters can damage both the interior and exterior of your home, costing you thousands of dollars.

Culprit:An overabundance of rain

Remedy:While you can’t control the amount of rain you receive, you can prepare yourself for the next time this happens by investing in rain gutters that are built to handle substantial rainfall. (Shameless plug: The LeafGuard Gutter System has been independently tested to withstand 33 inches of rainfall in an hour, something that hasn’t been seen since Noah built the ark!)

Culprit:Too few of gutters and/or downspouts on your home

Remedy: In some cases, not having gutters on all sides of your home, can overwork the existing portions of your gutters, making the water overflow because it has nowhere else to go. Adding additional gutters when your current ones cannot handle the rain they receive or adding gutters able to handle a higher capacity of rainfall can help resolve the situation. The same goes for downspouts, having too few of downspouts for the amount of gutter you have can cause gutters to overflow.

Culprit:Clogged gutters

Remedy: When your gutters clog from leaves and other organic debris and it rains, the water needs to go somewhere but instead of flowing through the gutters and out the downspouts, the water overflows. This can compromise your home’s foundation, fascia and siding. In some cases, mold can begin to grow which is a serious health hazard. To ensure that your gutters do not clog, you have two choices. Either invest in clog-free gutters or be sure to clean your gutters several times a year.

Culprit: Clogged downspouts

Remedy: Just like clogged gutters, clogged downspouts are a hazard to the exterior of your home. Water needs to go somewhere and if downspouts are clogged, water can back up in your gutters and eventually cause your gutters to overflow. To keep downspouts clog-free, you can opt for oversized downspouts which allow water to filter away from your home at a faster pace, protecting your foundation.

Lindus Construction / Midwest LeafGuard is a proud dealer of LeafGuard brand gutter systems and would like to come out to your home and give you a free no-obligation estimate on the best seamless gutter system on the market.Call us now at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out on the web atwww.lindusconstruction.com. Make sure totune into AM 830 WCCO on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am hosted by Denny Long and Andy Lindus to ask questions regarding your home improvement projects.